Safety device for laundry machines



Navo L 19270 R. H, PALM ET AL SAFETY DEVICE FOR LAUNDRY MACHINES Filed April 5, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet l ill www

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UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT H. PALM AND WILLIAM F. POHLHANN, OF CHICAGO, ASSIGNOBS TOl F. W. MATEER & C0., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

SAFETY DEVICE FOB LAUNDRY MACHINES.

Application 'med April 3, 1925. Serial No. 20,575.

The invention has general reference to power drivenlaundry machinery, and 1s especially applicable to machines ofthe type embodying a receptacle having a sultable closure and operating mechanism in the receptacle driven by the application of motive power through the medium of a power transmission including a movable'control element.

The primary object of our invention is to provide, in a machine of the character indicated, means which will insure that the cover or closure can not be opened when the machine is in operation, and that when the cover is open, the power transmission control is inoperative to set the operating'mecllanism in motion. v

An important feature of the mechanism which we have devised for carrying out the object thus set forth is an interlocking mechani/sm comprising a pair of stop members which, when the machine is in operation, occupy a relation such as to prevent the `cover from being opened, and a third stop member which, when the cover is open, is locked by said pair of members in a position to prevent the operation of the control element of the power transmission to set the machine in motion. Another feature is the provision of a locking means for said interlocking mechanism, capable of manipulation to release the interlocking mechanism and the cover held thereby only when the Inachine is at rest.

A general object of our invention is to provide a safety means of the character indicated which is relatively simple in construction and in operation, and is otherwise of a practical character.

For purposes of illustration, we have shown and will hereinafter describe our invention as applied to a power driven washing machine, but it will be apparent that in its broader aspects the invention is capable of application to other power driven laundry machines. Moreover, itis contemplated that various changes in the construction and arrangement set forth may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

In the drawings Figure. 1 is aside elevational view of a washing machine having our invention applied thereto.

Fig. 2 is an end view of the same. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan view showing one relation of the pair ,of stop members forming part of the interlocking mechamsm.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view illustrating the third stop ,member in a relation to the control element of the power transmission vdifferent from that shown in Fig. 2.

Figs. 5 and 6 are fragmentary vertical sectional views through a. portion of the locking means for the interlocking mechanism and illustratingthe method of operation in releasing the lock to permit operation of the interlocking mechanism.

Fig. 7 isa fragmentary plan view of the end of the machine shown in Fig. 2. f

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional tiew taken approximately in the line 8-8 of Fig.Y 9 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken approximately in the plane of line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

The washing machine selected for purposes of illust-ration comprises a cylindrical body 10 supported at opposite ends by frame members 11 and 11 and having an opening 12 therein near its upper forward side ar-y ranged to be closed by a sliding cover 13. The body 10 serves to enclose the usual cylinder 10 arran ed to be driven first inv one direction and t en in the other by the application of motive power through the medium of the power transmission which in the present instance consists of a plurality 'of pulleys 14, 15 and 16. The pulleys 14 and 15 are mounted'loosely on a shaft 17 geared to the rotary cylinder and the pulley 16 is located between the pulleys 14 and'l and is made fast upon said shaft 17. We have` shown in broken lines in Fig. la pair of belts 18 and 19 running over the pulleys 14 and 15.V respectively and connected with a suitable source of power as, for example, an overhead drive shaft (not shown). The belt 18 is shown as being twisted so as to drive they pulley 14 in a direction opposite to that in which the pulley 15 is driven.

The power transmission as shown further embodies the reversing mechanism comprising a bar 20 mounted in an upstanding bracket 21 for reciprocation lin a. direction arallel to the axis of the shaft 17. Said ar carries at opposite sides thereof (Fig. 7) apair of belt Shifters orv guides 22 and 23 overlying respectively the pulleys 14 and 15. Slidable relative to the bar 20 and depending therefrom is a plate 24 having opposed cam surfaces 25 and 26 (Figs. 8 and 9)z arranged to be engaged by a projection 2 on ay worm wheel 28 suitably journaled in the bracket 21. The worm 28 is arranged to be continuously driven from a worm 29 journaled on the shaft 17 and having a clutch connection at all times with the pulley 15. Thelatter isconstantly driven by the belt 19` which, as indicated in Fig. 1, is of a width such that even when shifted onto the tight pulley 16 it overlaps the loose pulley 15. It will be seen that the rotation of the worm wheel and, together therewith, the cam members 25 and 26, serves to reciprocate the plate 24 and thereby the slide rod 20 carrying the belt shifter guides 22 and 23, thus alternately connecting the pulleys 14 and 15 with the tight pulley 16 for the purpose of rotating the washing cylinder in one direction or the other.

The connection between the plate 24 and the belt shifter bar 2O comprises a'rocker member 30 pivotally mounted on the bar 20 through the medium of a bracket 31 (Fig. 8) and adapted to enter a notch 32 formed in the upper end of the plate 24 as shown in Figs'l and 9. When the rocker member 30 is moved upwardly from the position shown in Fig. 9 to disengage it from the notch 32, the power transmission is inoperative. To lock saidmechanism against operation, the rocker member 30 is swung rearwardly as shown in Fig. 4 in which position it engages in a notch 33 formed in the up er end oft the member 34 fixed upon the brac et 2l (Fig. 9).V

It will thus be apparent that the rocker member 30 constitutes the control element of the power transmission; that when it occupies the operative position shown in Fig. 9 the belt shifter guides are reciprocated through the continuous operation ofthe reversing mechanism; and that when the element is in the inoperative position shown in Fig. 4, the belts in this position run on the loose pulleys 14 and 15.

The safety means which we have provided is operatively associated with the cover 13 and with the rocker member or control element 30. It comprises a pair of interlockin stop members 35 and 36 adapted 'when 1n one relation to prevent the cover from being opened. When in another relation, with the cover in open position, a third stop member 37 is held in a position to lock the control element 30 in its rearward or inoperative position (Fig. 4). The locking mechanism generally designated by the numeral 38 (Fig. 2) has the stop members 35 and 37 directly connected thereto for movement respectively into and out of the paths of movement of the sto member 36 and the control element 30, an saidlocking mechanism is associated with the main shaft 17 in a manner such that when this shaft is in operation the locking mechanism is incapable of manipulation to move the stop members 35 and 37.

rlhe stop member 35 is in the form of a segmental plate (Fig. 7) and is fast upon the upper end of a vertical rock shaft 39 journaled at opposite ends in bearings provided by an upright bracket 40 secured to the end frame member 11. Said bracket is shown in Fig. 1 as shaped to enclose a device generally designated by the numeral 41 for adjusting the inner cylinder with reference to the body 10 so as to bring the covers in registering relation. Since this device forms no part of our invention, it need not be described in detail.

The stop member 36 is mounted to turn with a horizontal rock shaft 42 (Figs. 1, 2 and 7) mounted in bearing members 43 on the upper ends vof the two frame members 11 and 11n and having a connection between its ends with the door 13. This connection comprises in the present instance a lever arm 44 fast upon the shaft 42 and connected with the slide door 13 by means of a link 45 and an angle' bar 45a rigid therewith. The arrangement is such that when the cover 13 is in its closed position the two members 35 and 36 occupy the relation shown in Figs. 2 and 7 in which member 35 overlies the member 36 so as to prevent the opening of the cover. V

The stop member 37 is mounted to turn on an axis parallel to the shaft 42 but somewhat below it. As shown in Fig. 7, this member is carried on the outer end of an arm 47 pivoted at 48 on the rear end of an arm 49 adjustably supported on the bracket 40. The arm 47 is pivotally connected at- 47 eccentrically of its fulcrum 48 with the vertical shaft 39 through the medium of an adjustable link 50 which in turn is pivoted to a crank arm 51 on said vertical shaft 39. The arrangement in this instance is such that when the shaft 39'is rotated to swing the I member 37 swings downwardly into the path of movement of the control element 30 as shown in Fig. 4.

However, before the shaft 39 may thus be rotated, it is essential that the machine be irst brought to rest through the'operation of the control elementinto its inoperative position shown in Fig. 4; and also as a condition precedent to this operation, the locking mechanism 38l must be adjusted by the operator to release the shaft 39, which may be accomplished by reason of the cessation of the rotation of the shaft 17.

The locking mechanism 38 comprises (Figs. 2, 5 and 6) a hollow casing or drum 52 mounted Coaxially of a sha-ft 17 carrying the rotor 10, and having a hole 54 in its periphery disposed midway between a pair of shoulders 55 and 56. A bifurcated member 57 has a frictional driving connection with the shaft 17 a accomplished in the present instance by means of a split collar 58 rigid with the member 57 and having lugs 59 connected by a bolt 60 which is encircled -by a spring 61 acting to holdithe collar in frictional contact with the shaft 17 a. A rod 62 slidably supported in abracket 63 on the main bracket 40 (Figs. 1 and 2) has a pin 64 rigid therewith which is adapted to enter the hole -54 in the casing 52 when the latter is positioned opposite (Fig. 5), and also to enter a notch 65 formed in the member 57 when the latter is positioned opposite the hole 54 (Fig. 6). A pair of lugs66 on the periphery of the casing 52 and equidistantly spaced on opposite `sides of the hole 54 serve to limit rotary motion of the casing by contact with the pin 64, the casing being rovided with a handle 67 to facilitate ad]ust ing the parts. By reason of the frictional contact-between the member 57 and the shaft 17 a, the former, in the rotation of the shaft in one direction or the other moves into engagement with one or the other of the shoulders 55 and 56 depending upon the direction of rotation. Thereupon the member 57 is held stationary,v and upon a cessation in the rotation of the shaft, it is possible by rotating thercasing 52 in a direction opposite that in which the shaft has been rotating, until one of the lugs 66 strikes the pin 64 which will serve to carry the notch 65 of the member A'lintona position opposite the pin 64. It then remains to reverse the direction of rotation of casing 52 slightly to position the hole 54 opposite the lpin 64 whereupon the pin may be moved throughthe hole and into the notch 65. In such movement the rod 62 is operated. By reason of a link connection 68 between the rod 62 and a crank arm 69 on the vertical shaft 39 the latter will be rocked in a direction such as to carry the stop member 35 out of the path ef movement of the stop member 36, and the stop member 37 will be moved into the pathc of movement of the control element 30. The stop member 37- thus serves to lock thecontrol element in its inoperative position while the door 13 may be slid openv unrestricted by .the stop member 35.

The stop member 35 now occupies a position on the inner side of the stop member 36 so that the latter prevents a reverse rotation of the shaft 39 and hence the movement of the stop member 37 into a position such as to ermit the control element 30 to be moved into its forward or operating position so long as the door remains open.

It will thus be seen that we have provided means effectually insuring that when the machine is in operation the cover or door of the body l0 cannot be opened by the oper.- ator with a possible resulting injury to him; and that when the machine has been brought to rest and the cover opened it cannot be restarted until the cover or door has been moved into closed position. Moreover, we

movement into and out of the path of movement of said part, and means for swinging said stop member.

2. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a body having a closure and containing an element to be driven, a part operatively connected with said closure for movement Itherewith, a swingable stop member,'said part and said stop .member being mounted on axes substantially perpendicular to each other, and means for swinging said stop member into and out of the path of movement of said part com rising a rock shaft, and a device operative y associated with they element to be driven and adapted for actuation when said element is at rest to lock said shaft.

3. In a machine of the character described, the combination'of a body having a closure and containing an element to be driven, a part operatively` connected with said closure for movement therewith, a swingable stop member, said part and said stop member being mounted on axes substantially perpendicular to each other, and means for swinging said stop member into and out of the path of movement of said part comprising an operating rod operatively connected with said member and mounted for axial movement, means automatically positioned in the rotation of said element to prevent operation of said movable rod but adapted to be adjusted when the driven element is at rest to permit movement of said rod whereby to rock said member.

4. In a machine,y ofthe character derotation of]` said driven element, a third 4 Lacasse I ment, a part to be moved, means operable to hold said part against movement, and `a locking means comprising a member operatively connected with the first mentioned means and a pair of members adapted to be relatively positioned inthe rotation of said 1 driven element so as to prevent the movel5 ment of said first member but adjustable -when the driven element is at rest into position to permit movement of the first member. 6..In a machine of the character described, the combination with a part to be vmoved, of a driven element, and a locking.

mechanism including a member operatively associated with the part to be moved, two concentrically arranged members arranged to be moved by the driven element in its rotation into a osition such as to prevent movement of t e iirst member, and meansy for adjusting said pair of members when the driven element is at rest whereby to permit movement of the first member.

7 The combination with a machine of the character described of a part to be moved, a locking means forsad part comprising,

. in combination with a driven shaft, a casing mounted' for limited rotational movement by said shaft, a member in the casing also mountedfor limited rotation therewith, a second member associated with the part to be locked, said casing and member therein being adjustable when the driven element is at rest into a position to permit movement of the second member. Y

8. A machine ofthe character described having a movable part and a locking mechanism therefor comprising, in combination with a driven shaft, a, casing having on opening therein on said shaft, a member in said casing arranged to be moved by said shaft, a second member adapted for movement into and out of said opening in said casing, said first member being adapted normally to prevent movement of said second member through said openin and means for adjusting said first mem r to permit ofJ such movement of said second member.

9. In a machine of the character described, a safety device comprising, incombination with a driven element,- operating means, a locking means comprising a stop member arranged to be moved by said element, a member operatively as:ociated with said operat- 'ig means and adapted normallyto be held against movement by said stop member, and means for adjusting said stop member to ermit of such movement comprising a cas ing enclosing said stop member and having an opening therein to receive the other member, said stop member being adjustable. in

adjustable in the movements of said casing,

and means for limiting the rotational movement of said casing relative to said other member. c

11. In a machine of the character described, a. safety device comprising, in combination with a driven element, operating means, a locking means comprising a stop member arranged to be moved by said element, a member operatively associated with said operating means and adapted normally to be held against movement by said stop member, and means for adjusting said stop member to permit of such movement comprising a casing enclosing the stop member and having an opening therein to receive the other member, said stop member being adjustable in the movements of said casing, and said casin and said stop member being frictionally drlven by said driven element.

12. A machine of the character described having a safety device comprising, in combination with a driven element, operating means including a movable pin, a casing on said driven element and having an aperture, and a bifurcated member in the,casing and having a rictional driving connection with .the bifurcations of said member are in registering relation opposite said pin.

13. A machine of the character described having a safety device comprising, in combination with a driven element, an operating means including a movable pin, a casing on said driven element and having an aperture, a bifurcated member in the casing and havin a rictional driving connection with said driven element, said casing and said member being adapted to receive said pin when said aperture and the space between the bifurcations of said member are in registering relation opposite said pin, and means for limiting the rotational movements of said casing and said bifurcated member'wth said driven element.

14. A machine of the characterdescribed having a safety device comprising, in combination with a driven element, a stop member, operating means for said member including a slide rod, and means operatively associated with said driven element including a pair of parts normally coacting to prevent movement of said rod but adjustable When the driven element is at rest into a position to permit such movement of the rod.

15. A machine of the character described comprising, in combination, an operating device, a movable element adapted to be moved into open or closed position, means for driving said operating device, said means inn cluding a control element having an operative and an inoperative position, a stop member movable by said closure, a second stop member movable into the path of said first mentioned stop member to prevent said closure from being opened, and a third stop member operative y connected to said second stopmember and adapted u pon movement of said second stop member into position to permit opening of said closure to engage said control element in its inoperative position, said lirst mentioned stop member being movable into the path of said second stop member when said closure is opened.

16. A machine of the character described having, in combination, a body having a closure, and containing an element to be driven, a stop member movable by said closure, a second stop member movable into the path of said irst mentioned stop member to prevent opening of said closure, means preventing movement of said second stop member out of the path of said :tirstmentioned stop member until said element has ceased movement, means for driving said element including a control element having an operative position and an inoperative position, and a third stop member operatively connected vto and movable simultaneously with said second stop member, said third stop member being movable to engage said control element when said second stop member is moved out of 1Ehe path of said lirst mentioned stop mem- In testimony whereof We have hereunto aiixed our signatures.

ROBERT H. PALM. WILLIAM F; POI-[LMAN N. 

